Return beauty without experiments

When you find yourself in the historical center of Vienna, you should not overlook at least a short visit to Brandstätte street. There, you will find one exceptionally interesting historical building that has undergone an even more fascinating transformation recently. Architect Stephan Ferenczy removed the insensitive interventions of the past and gave the building a completely new facade. He achieved this also thanks to PREFA aluminum panels, which covered the generously designed roof that now forms a clear dominant feature of the building.

It can be said without exaggeration that there is perhaps no more challenging architectural discipline than the reconstruction of old buildings. One must be sensitive and preserve the original old character while not shying away from new trends of the present. Mixing these ingredients correctly and in optimal proportions is always what ultimately determines the success or failure of the overall transformation. Stephan Ferenczy was very well aware of this fact. As he himself says, he often feels like a grave robber when transforming old buildings, touching the sacred relics of the past. However, with his work on Brandstätte, he can be more than satisfied. He took exceptional care, especially since this street is one of the traditional access routes to Vienna’s landmark, St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

With respect for the past, with a desire for the present

Respect for the past was especially important for the architect, as not all of his predecessors managed to express that respect. Especially the interventions from the 1950s were insensitive and left an unappealing mark on the appearance of the house. "I was thus faced with a challenging task: to retouch past mistakes and imperfections and to restore the building's original charm while also imprinting a modern touch. I tried to be precise and humble in my design, especially because the building houses one of the traditional Viennese establishments, Café Korb. It is a popular meeting place not only for the locals but also for tourists who cannot leave the Austrian capital without enjoying the excellent local coffee."
Another factor that weighed heavily on the architect was the close proximity of the building, which is home to another significant building – Zacherl's House. It features a striking copper roof, and it was immediately clear that the roof also needed to play a primary role in Ferenczy's realization. "I didn't want any competition about which house outshines the other. My aim was for contrast, but at the same time, for symbiosis. That's why I chose the gold color. After all, what other color could play a dignified tandem with copper other than gold?" Ferenczy recounts with enthusiasm.

Symbiosis of aluminum and dazzling shine

If the roof was to be the pinnacle of the beauty of the entire building, then the material used had to correspond to its significance. It could not be shingles, which would seem inappropriate, nor copper, as it wouldn't create the necessary contrast with Zacherl's House. Thus, aluminum came into play. "This material has been gaining popularity in recent years, not only for roofs but even for facades. It is the roofing of the present, and thanks to its excellent properties, also of the future. PREFA provides a long-term warranty for its panels. It's great that the company can produce a color shade literally tailored for you, but what good would it be if your dream shade faded over time? However, with PREFA folded panels, that won't happen."

Color and long lifespan, however, were not the only criteria. Of course, in every construction, it is also important that the material is moldable and sufficiently flexible, allowing for quick progress without falling behind the construction schedule. "Folded panels allowed for easy and very comfortable work without me having to compromise on my high demands for perfect appearance. Thanks to PREFA, the building in the heart of Vienna has been transformed beyond recognition and will continue to captivate passersby for many decades to come," concludes architect Ferenczy.

About the project

Project name: Korb Etagen
Object, location: attic construction, Vienna
Type of construction: new construction
Architects: BEHF Architects, Arch. DI Stephan Ferenczy
Implementation: Drascher & Partner
Type of roof: PREFA folded roof panel 29 × 29
Roof color: special custom-made color, pearlescent gold
PHOTOGRAPHY: Croce & WIR